About the MRC

We work to protect and restore marine life, habitat and water quality along our county's 212 miles of shoreline. We do so through scientific research, education and voluntary action. We identify problems and opportunities, and recommend remedial actions to local authorities. In addition we build community awareness of the issues and support for the remedies.

MRC member
Ken Urstad conducts
juvenile salmon research
at Harrington Lagoon

Our 13 members represent a cross-section of community interests including recreational and commercial fishing, agriculture, boating, aquaculture, science, the environment, local government, higher education and our county's substantial Navy presence.

MRC members survey the beach at
Useless Bay for toxic creosote debris

We are one of seven MRCs in the counties of northern Puget Sound authorized in 1998 by the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative. This initiative resulted from the 1998 Murray-Metcalf Northwest Straits Citizens Advisory Commission Report. Congress authorized the MRCs to provide local, broad-based, bottom-up input to the Northwest Straits Commission (NWSC). The NWSC works to improve the overall health of the Northwest Straits ecosystem by developing and proposing scientifically-sound recommendations to decision-makers and by providing scientific, technical and financial help to the MRCs.

The MRC is strictly advisory - we neither make nor enforce laws. Our role is to serve in a science-based advisory, educational and fund-raising capacity, and to encourage stewardship of the marine resource.

Neighbors learn about salmon research at Harrington Lagoon

Purpose
To contribute to the health of the marine environments of Island County and the Northwest Straits through education, protection, restoration, research and voluntary action. The MRC builds community awareness of the issues, recommends actions, takes actions and builds community support for these actions.

Problem and Opportunity
Adopted as revised 9-15-2009

Marine species, habitat and water quality have declined in recent decades because of human influences. We can help our community change behaviors to protect and restore the natural abundance and diversity that make Island County an attractive and healthy place to live, work and visit.

Mission
Our mission is to help protect and restore the marine environments of Island County and the Northwest Straits by measurably raising community awareness of marine issues and generating support for actions taken by 2020.

Vision
By 2020 we envision widespread community implementation of best practices and other actions to protect and promote healthy marine waters and sustainable marine life and habitat, contributing in turn to a strong Island County economy.

Members
>> membership terms  >> member bio's

Staff:
   Rex Porter - Executive Director & NWSC Representative
   Dan Pedersen - Communications Manager

Board:
   Judy Feldman - County lead
   Ian Jefferds - MRC Chair
   Joe Hillers - MRC Vice Chair
   Hi Bronson
   Marshall Bronson
   Matt Kukuk
   Ken Urstad
   Steve Mitchell
   Dick Toft
   Stan Walsh
   Lenny Corin
   Leal Dickson
   Sarah Haynes
   Linda Rhodes
   Frances Wood
   Todd Zackey